28/07/2025
WELCOME!: MOSH Men’s Outdoor Swimming Hub
What is it?
We’re a group of friends who regularly swim together. We’ve noticed that although more and more people are taking up outdoor swimming not so many of them are blokes. We want to change that!
MOSH is not a club or society, there is no insurance or payments involved. We are an informal men’s group for outdoor and wild swimming, dipping and plunging in and around the Marsden and Holmfirth area. Our plan is to initially organise group swims and over time the MOSH Facebook community page will become a hub for men to arrange their own group swims, share information, ask questions and meet new people.
Why come along?
Open water swimming is one of the fastest-growing UK participant sports with people of all ages enjoying the activity. Many find it is wonderful for their mental well-being as well as keeping them physically fit. Moreover, you’ll enjoy the camaraderie and fellowship of like-minded men who are actively doing something to improve their lives. Not convinced yet? Check out this link - 50 Reasons why cold water is good for you.
https://thewildswimmingbrothers.com/health/50reasonwhycoldwaterisgoodforyou
Why us?
We’ve been enjoying the benefits of outdoor swimming long before it became a wild activity and we understand how to get the best out of the experience. Come along and join a friendly bunch of swimmers, embracing the thrill of wild swimming in our wonderful Yorkshire landscape. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor dipper or a complete newbie, you can expect a warm welcome and plenty of enthusiasm from people passionate about open-water.
What do I need to bring?
Along with your adventurous spirit, you’ll need a towel big enough to hide your bits, a pair of old trainers or beach-shoes (protection from rocks or other unseen nasties) and a pair of trunks. Don’t go buying anything new, just yet. Some people swim year-round in a bobble hat, others might wear a rash vest/top and some swear by neoprene gloves. Keep it simple to start off with and we are now coming into warmer weather, so the water won’t have quite so much bite!
What do I do now?
Please read through the Swim Protocol. It is important that you understand the statement before participating. If there is anything that you do not understand or if you have any question relating to the policy, or anything else, then please get in touch.
What can I expect at the MOSH Wild Saturday Swim?
You’ll be greeted by friendly chaps who’ve been swimming so long they’re rumoured to have webbed toes! Here’re some of their recent swims. PHOTOS
You’ll be buddied up with another swimmer. Swim safety is ultimately each person’s own responsibility, but an extra pair of eyes and ears makes the experience safer, as well as more fun.
Any hazards that we are aware of, such as underwater rocks or reeds will be pointed out to you in a pre-swim briefing, as will the area of water we will be safe to swim in.
There’s no pressure to swim a set distance, or swim at all; some people find immersing themselves in water is enough for the first few sessions. Take it at your own pace. Afterwards jump into lots of warm clothes and then enjoy a hot drink and flapjack provided by us.
When is it?
The first MOSH Wild Saturday Swim will be at 10.30am on Saturday 19th July at Redbrook Reservoir on Manchester Rd, above Marsden, HD7 6HU. What 3 Words: retaliate.intersect.keys
To take part you must tick the box below.
I agree to accepting the terms and conditions laid out in the Swim Protocol disclaimer being entirely at my own risk.
Yes I agree
Required
Swim Protocol
MOSH is an informal men’s group for outdoor and wild swimming, dipping and plunging in and around the Holmfirth & Marsden area. Its purpose is to allow participants to share info on swimming spots, arrange group swims, ask questions, and meet new people.
The vast majority of unfortunate incidents that occur in and around water involve people having an accident or arriving unprepared for an activity. Please do not be put off by the risks listed below, because a well-prepared, sensible approach to open water swimming in the UK sees millions of people enjoying the activity safely.
Outdoor swimming or dipping can be physically challenging and carries with it the risk of personal injury, including (but not limited to) cold water shock, hypothermia, drowning, sickness from polluted water, injury from wildlife, other swimmers, other water users or debris in the water.
The ‘safety’ of locations is dependent on many factors such as the weather and the abilities and knowledge of the swimmer. The terrain of a swim spot may also naturally change over time. Rainfall in particular can have an impact on the safety of a swim spot.
1. Swims are fully “at your own risk”. This phrase is not a legal liability disclaimer; it means that your safety is no one’s responsibility but your own. This is not a club or society, there is no insurance or payments involved, safety cover or registration. Ask for advice, ask for help, but you are responsible for making your own assessment of risk, and taking reasonable actions towards being safe (see tips below).
2. If you are in any doubt about the safety of a swim or your ability to complete it, you should not take part.
3. Get informed. There are many great articles on outdoor swimming safety on LoneSwimmer.com and OutdoorSwimmingSociety.com (see links below).
4. Be prepared. Eat well and hydrate beforehand. Check the weather forecast. Bring the essentials: warm clothes and hat, waterproofs if needed, a towel, swimming costume or wetsuit, a warm drink, some food, and a bag to put your wet stuff in afterwards. Ask yourself – “Have I taken reasonable action towards my own safety?”
5. Develop your swim-confidence slowly, through experience. Get to know your body over many swims and dips, and through the seasons. Every swim is different, and our bodies and minds are change constantly.
6. Regularly check in on yourself. Hypothermia comes on gradually. You may start to feel ‘foggy’ or excessively tired. These are early warning signs. If your teeth start chattering or you’re starting to shiver then get out, dry yourself, put on some dry clothing and do some light exercise to heat your body back up - a walk is enough.
7. Always know and plan your escape routes, in case you get into trouble or need to get out of the water fast. Remember that riverbanks can be slippery and may be hard to climb so scout out shallow areas that will be easy to scramble out of.
8. Group swims can provide a false sense of security. Some people say that if you really take full responsibility for your own risk and safety, it shouldn’t matter if you’re swimming in a group or solo. Don't assume there is 'peer pressure' to stay in longer or go further.
9. Pick your swims. Typically, all swims are open to anyone, but that does not mean they are suited to everyone. Ask beforehand if you’re unsure and be communicative. Let people know your experience level.
10. The decision to participate in any swim must be taken individually, and swimmers must not rely (in whole or in part) on views or information provided by other parties.
11. Most swims and dips take place in public locations. MOSH are not responsible for any theft, damage, destruction or loss of your property or belongings while participating in swimming and dipping.
12. You must not participate if you are under the influence of alcohol or non-prescription drugs.
13. If you have any health conditions or are taking prescribed medication you must obtain professional or specialist advice from your doctor before participating.
14. Lastly, have fun, ask questions, share stories, meet people, and have a great swim adventures (at your own risk!).
LOADS OF HELPFUL INFO:
https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/category/features/survive/
THE OUTDOOR SWIMMER'S CODE: https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/outdoor-swimmers-code-2/
GENERAL SAFETY:
http://www.river-swimming.co.uk/safety.htm
AM I SAFE?
https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/am-i-safe/
IS IT SAFE?
https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/is-it-safe/
IS IT CLEAN?
https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/is-it-clean/
IS IT LEGAL?
https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/is-it-legal/
SWIMMING IN RESERVOIRS: https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/understanding-reservoirs/ and http://jonathan-knott.com/2010/12/17/the-truth-about-reservoir-swimming/
